This was my first [and probably my last] Olympic triathlon. I have competed in several sprint triathlons but before I become too old and decrepit the Olympic tri was a challenge I needed to complete. I chose Harwich because I used to live there many moons ago [50+ years] and swam the 1650m sea course frequently then, cycled the 45k country lanes and often paraded along the 10k promenade run course. It was quite a daunting course compared for example to the London triathlon which is 1500m in the still waters of docklands with a relatively flat 40kbike/10krun. There was also the added difficulty of the event starting at 12 noon to coincide with high tide on the hottest day of the year so far!
With 90 competitors and three waves of swimmers we were sent off at 15 minute intervals and I was in the second wave. The sea was cool, not cold at all but there was a considerable swell which was difficult against a rising tide. The course was parallel to the coast, from the furthest end of the promenade, along and around a lighthouse, back to the exit point close to transition. The lighthouse never seemed to get any closer although I really enjoyed the swim. The transition onto the bike was appalling. Helen James who travelled as a very active supporter was extremely frustrated with my inane fiddling about ? hanging my wetsuit up and generally not getting out on the bike quick enough.
The bike was tough, quite hilly, long and very hot. As I am not an expert cyclist and quite slow I had to suffer the ignominy of finishing last, with a big white van sweeping up behind me. Luckily I did not know this at the time. The 10k run was hard and my feet were very sore at the end. I was exhausted. But I did have a nice young man [Steve Cooper] escorting me on the bike during the run. Turned out he used to live near Hayes Station and still belongs to Blackheath and Bromley and is friends with Paul Austridge and Nigel Keogh. Small world.
If you like a friendly, relaxed triathlon with very helpful and kind officials, this is the one for you. Even though I finished 40 minutes behind the previous competitor I had a rousing finish and even a prize of a pair of socks. My husband, Richard, when we got home, said well done but don?t do it again ? wise words.
1650m swim - 44.25
45k bike - 2.13.23
10k run - 1.22.34